Thank you!
About K2.7 million in pledges was raised by a social network group, ‘Our Queens Our Pride’, as a token of appreciation to the Queens for giving out their utmost best at the 2015 Netball World Cup (NWC) in Australia.
The group set out on the noble crusade through Facebook and WhatsApp on Saturday and by 4pm yesterday, the total pledge was K2 695 440 and K1 964 240 had been honoured according to one of the organisers Hlupekire Chalamba.
She said the money will be shared equally among the players as well as the technical panel on arrival this afternoon at Kamuzu International Airport (KIA) in Lilongwe. The plane carrying the Queens is expected to touch down at 12.20pm.
Asked on the justification of the cause when the Queens only retained their sixth position at the global showcase, Chalamba said it was in appreciation of their fighting spirit and undying determination to scale lofty heights despite the odds being overwhelmingly stacked against them.
“These girls punched beyond their weight for the sake of their motherland, we saw them fighting until literally the last gasp against Jamaica in their bid to qualify for the semi-finals against a background of poor preparations.
“To put things into perspective, time and time again these girls have been asked to put their lives on hold. They have been told your country needs you and yet time and time again, they are also reminded of the lack of resources to prepare for the battles they are sent to. Unselfishly, they serve their nation and such bravado is unseen and we dare say it deserves our utmost gratitude; hence, this campaign,” said Chalamba.
She said the drive has shown the spirit of patriotism “when combined with warmth of a Malawian heart. We have seen unprecedented level of generosity within the Malawian culture.”
The group’s administrator further said considering the financial challenges the Queens face, they are pondering on a long-term strategy which will be made public at a later stage.
She said as of yesterday, people were still in the process of fulfilling their pledges. Chalamba said the list of names and pledges will be announced.
Despite finishing sixth, the Queens were named the most entertaining team while their star shooter Mwawi Kumwenda was named player of the tournament.n
